History Hacker Brings DIY Science From Web to TV

Pettis recently announced a partnership with the History Channel to create History Hacker, a science show that's a cross between Mr. Wizard and MythBusters.The show follows the 36-year-old DIY guy as he re-creates groundbreaking technological inventions using everyday materials and equipment stashed around his house in Brooklyn, New York.

"The technique hasn't changed much since Tesla invented it," said Pettis in a phone interview Friday. "It's insanely cool."

Pettis, whose credits include hosting geeky instructional podcasts for Make magazine and online crafter marketplaceEtsy, is the latest web personality to make the leap to prime time. He joins fellow web personality Michael Buckley, whose What the Buck? entertainment coverage recently landed him a deal with HBO.

So far, the History Channel has only green-lit one episode of History Hacker. Rather than send the pilot to focus groups, the cable channel decided to air the premiere episode as a test-run to gauge viewer interest.

Pettis said he's hoping the online following for his YouTube clips – like this one, in which he builds a theremin – will boost TV viewership.

"I even did a bunch of research on how Nielsen ratings work to see if I can hack them," said Pettis. "But it doesn't work that way. I'm just hoping lots of people TiVo it."

If the History Hacker pilot is a success, Pettis says he hopes to keep the science ball rolling and tackle topics in technology like the dawn of computing, electronic music and global exploration.

Photo: Pettis on the History Hacker set next to a mid-size Tesla coil.See also: